Type

Heat-Seeking Rocket Launcher

Appearance(s)

Weapon type

Heavy weapons

Damage

Maximum

Weight

Heavy

Ammunition capacity

1 rocket

The Heat-Seeking Rocket Launcher, sometimes referred as STINGER, is a handheld weapon in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Unlike the Rocket Launcher, the Heat-Seeking Rocket Launcher automatically selects the nearest available target. It is based on the 9K38 Igla man-portable SAM. It also resembles an FIM-92 Stinger Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS for short). When pointed at a vehicle the marker is green. After waiting for 3–5 seconds it turns red and the missile is locked on. It then tracks toward the target, making it useful for taking out air vehicles, such as Police Mavericks.

Trivia

If shot launched without finding a target, after 100–200 metres, the rocket explodes. However, if chasing a target, but the target disappears before the rocket could reach it, the rocket will keep on flying until it disappears. (e.g. firing on Dodos or Rustlers.)

The sign of the rocket on the map is a small white blip, comparing altitude with the player as normal.

When firing on a government vehicle (e.g. Ranger), you will automatically receive one star before the explosion, no matter if the rocket hits or not.

They are used by the NOOSE in The Ballad of Gay Tony, although the player can not access them in any way. It has been speculated that the "heat seeking" rockets are just rocket projectiles spawned and scripted to aim for Luis's vehicle, together with officers wielding RPGs to create the effect.

The Heat-Seeking Rocket Launcher is the only weapon which you can't aim and shoot with while being on fire. Instead, CJ will start making movements similar to using a Shotgun.

Unlike the Hydra and SAM rockets, this type of Heat-Seeking rocket can destroy any vehicle instantly.

This weapon is most used in multiplayer due to the high damage it causes and its ability to chase a target. Because of this, the weapon is considered overpowered and it is banned in most mulitplayer servers.